It’s Not Too Late to Start Again

February 19, 2026

Are you a CHIP or STAR (Medicaid) Community Member? This article is for our Marketplace and Medicare D-SNP Members. We have resources dedicated especially for you on The Sun.

Did you set a health goal at the start of the year?

Maybe you wanted to eat better, move more, drink more water, or schedule a checkup. Then life got busy. Work, family, school, or daily stress made it hard to keep going. If you’ve fallen off track, you are not alone. This happens to many people every year.

The good news is that you can start again today.

You don’t need a new year, a new month, or even a Monday. You just need one small step. Starting over does not mean you failed. It means you are trying again. That is all that matters.

Taking care of your health can help you feel better day to day. You may have more energy. You may sleep better. You may feel less stressed. Small changes can add up over time. You do not have to change everything at once. In fact, it is better if you don’t.

Pick one simple healthy habit and focus on that. Here are some ideas for one healthy step you can take today.

Take a short walk or exercise a couple of days a week.
Drink one extra glass of water each day.
Add fruit or vegetables to one meal.
Go to bed a little earlier.
Make a call to schedule your yearly checkup if you have not had one yet.

Choose something that feels easy for you to do. If it feels too big, make it smaller. Even something like a five or ten minute walk is better than not exercising at all. If you miss a day, don’t quit. Just start again the next day. Progress is not about being perfect. It is about staying consistent over time. Some things that can help you are:

Setting a reminder on your phone.
Asking a family member to join you.
Keep healthy snacks where you can see them.

Remember, small changes in your routine can make healthy habits easier to keep.

If you have not seen your doctor this year, this is also a good time to schedule a visit. Regular checkups can help find problems early and keep you on track. If you have questions about your health, your doctor can help guide you.

You deserve to feel your best. Starting again is always a strong choice. Today is a great day to take one small step.

Need Help Finding a Doctor?

If you don’t have a doctor or need help finding one, we’re here to help. Call us today.

CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)
STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)
Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)
Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)